mrj1981 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 04, 2020 7:15 pm
One advantage that CSX would have over NS in terms of double stack traffic to Maine is that CSX can handle it without needing to touch Hoosac Tunnel. The possibility of such traffic should be worth a LOT more to CSX than to NS.
We must wonder, did Chessie really "outsmart" Topper (cats are considered quite intelligent animals, lest we forget), or did Topper take one look at this decrepit property, realizing the further East he roamed and not being dissuaded what passenger train agencies put in place, the more decrepit it became - kicked up his heels and "skedaddled".
To get to the potential traffic sources, Topper looked and saw Chessie's already FRA Class 4 B&A, then his rinky dink, clearance restricted, FRA Class 3 West of Fitchburg (and FRA Class 4 to the East compliments of a passenger train agency) PAS, reared up and said "happy trails to you, Chessie".
I like to think "they ain't dumb" @ 1200 Peachtree (I've walked by NS Hq when I had time to kill before an Atlanta Symphony concert; sure makes 500 Water look like a dump, which I have been inside), and they too have a pile of Greenbacks looking for something to do with them. For those here who prefer shiny Black engines with Topper on the nose and a combination name of real, well managed, roads on the side, over some often faded Blue with a bunch of meaningless initials on the nose and side, let's just say it was a business decision that may or may not have been correct.